A NEW law to protect parents from unnecessary school uniform costs comes into effect next month.

From September 2022, state schools will be forced to remove "unnecessary branded items" on their uniforms.

To help with uniform costs amid the cost of living crisis, this means that branded items should be kept to a minimum as uniforms will not be required to have their school logo or crest.

While certain schools may choose to keep their logo on particular items such as their blazer, this will allow parents to shop for school clothes at cheaper alternatives such as high street stores.

A uniform bank in Newton-le-Willows

St Helens Borough Council used to offer a grant to families struggling with uniform costs but scrapped this service in 2017.

As the grant is not compulsory in England, other neighbouring authorities also ended the payments, with approximately 27 out of 149 local authorities currently offering financial support for uniforms.

The council advised any parents struggling with uniform costs to contact their school about recycled uniforms or charity and community groups running uniform banks.

A spokesperson for St Helens Council said: “If families are struggling with the costs of either buying or replacing uniforms, we would recommend in the first instance that they contact individual schools as it may be possible that they may have some stocks of recycled uniforms available.

“Although there is not a specific support scheme in place in relation to uniform costs, families may also be able to apply through the Welfare Assistance Scheme, where some help may be available in exceptional circumstances.”  

To find further details on the Welfare Assistance Scheme please visit this website.

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